Montgomery sophomore Paul Pridgeon will lead the Student Government Association’s Senate next year.

Pridgeon was re-elected as SGA’s Senate Leader Monday night.

He said he has a year of experience and wants to make the Senate more visible and active on campus.

“I still believe in SGA and we can make a difference in students,” he said. “It’s rewarding to be involved and make an impact in students’ lives.”

Pridgeon said this past year the Senate was not as visible and he hopes to change that by having the senators interacting and informing students.

Currently the Senate has only 13 of its 23 seats filled. However, Pridgeon is staying optimistic.

Pridgeon said the open seats are an opportunity for students to come out of the woodwork and fill them. The Senate also has lost a few senators who could not or did not run in the general elections, he said.

SGA’s House of Representatives also welcomed a familiar face as its new House leader in Kingsford junior Brad Sjoquist.

Sjoquist has been a member of the House for two years and served as membership officer last year. He was a Senate member last semester.

“As House leader, it’s not just enough to chair meetings,” Sjoquist said.

Sjoquist said he wants to be more involved, by helping write legislation, working with new members and providing resources new members can go to with questions or concerns. Students don’t know the steps of carrying through on an issue, for which Sjoquist can provide assistance.

As for the recent quorum issue the House experienced a couple weeks ago, Sjoquist said House representatives need to be aware of what is expected of them.

Sjoquist said the time is valuable and should be used appropriately.

Rockford senior and former House leader Michael VanOeveren said there is always room for improvement and the new House leader would need to be in the House to run it, such as in Sjoquist’s case.

“I look forward to see how he’s going to improve things,” VanOeveren said.

VanOeveren expressed his support for Sjoquist during the House meeting Monday.

In other news, SGA presented its awards for the following year. Sterling Heights senior Ashley Bendert received the House leader award. Senate demographic of the year was given to the College of Business, while Royal Oak junior Matt Bush received senator of the year. The president’s and vice president’s awards were given to Troy senior Clare Monsour and Detroit sophomore Mike Ware, respectively. Committee of the year was awarded to Student Services and most improved committee went to Academic Affairs. Dean of Students Bruce Roscoe received the humanitarian of the year award.

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